Verizon challenges new US regulations on internet neutrality

The largest US mobile phone company has began legal action against new government regulations that protect the free flow of internet traffic in the latest twist on the “net neutrality” debate.

Verizon Communications is taking the action following the publication last week of new Federal Communications Commission rules barring fixed-line broadband companies from prioritising or blocking any legal content on their networks.

Some companies would like to charge content producers in exchange for delivering their material, such as movies, to consumers faster than other non-paying internet traffic.